Ethereum Developers Discuss Results of Devnet 10 Testing
On October 26, 2023, Ethereum protocol developers gathered to review the outcomes of devnet 10 testing. The network was successfully launched earlier in the week, with a new validator churn limit tested during the fork. However, some bugs were identified related to sync with Prysm and deposit handling on Teku, which are currently being addressed. Issues regarding builder-produced blocks were also highlighted.
Two Phases of Testing
The devnet 10 testing consisted of two phases. The first phase simulated normal network conditions and demonstrated a stable network capable of handling approximately three blobs per block. The second phase involved stress-testing the network by spamming it with six blobs per block as often as possible. Despite increased CPU and RAM usage on some clients, the network remained stable, with only two out of around 100 nodes struggling to stay in sync.
Next Steps for Testing
After the testing, performance numbers related to block processing time delays were shared. Discussions were initiated on how to interpret these findings in relation to mainnet conditions. The readiness of all clients was a primary concern, particularly Prysm, which required additional time for codebase changes. There was an attempt to reach a consensus on forking Goerli testnet in early November but no date was finalized. This suggested that the Goerli fork would likely occur in late November, delaying the mainnet transition until after the holiday season.
Other Updates and Discussions
In addition to the main agenda, a new series of L2 coordination calls called RollCall was introduced to standardize parts of the L2 ecosystem. An update on the KZG ceremony was also shared, allowing users to verify its outputs. Furthermore, discussions were initiated on the deprecation of empty accounts through EIP-7523, with further deliberations to take place on the EthMagicians forum.
Hot Take: Ethereum Devnet 10 Testing Yields Promising Results
The recent devnet 10 testing conducted by Ethereum protocol developers showcased a stable network capable of handling various network conditions and stress tests. Despite encountering some bugs and performance challenges, the developers are actively addressing these issues to ensure a smooth transition to mainnet. The discussions around forking the Goerli testnet indicate a commitment to thorough testing and client readiness before proceeding with major updates. The introduction of RollCall and updates on the KZG ceremony demonstrate ongoing efforts to improve coordination and transparency within the Ethereum ecosystem. With further discussions planned, the Ethereum community is actively working towards enhancing the protocol’s functionality and security.